Local briefs: Clovis man arrested in Fresno stabbing

A Clovis man was arrested Wednesday after a central Fresno stabbing in which a Fresno man was critically injured. Gabriel Ambriz, 28, is accused of stabbing Ricardo Vejar, 23, Monday near Belmont and Fisher avenues, said Fresno police Sgt. Dave Ramos of the Street Violence Bureau.

The stabbing happened at noon after an argument over a woman, Ramos said. Vejar was stabbed repeatedly in the abdomen. He was taken to Community Regional Medical Center, where he underwent surgery.

Ambriz was arrested near Mitchell and Armstrong avenues in Clovis. He was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

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Two Fresno women were arrested on suspicion of burglary Thursday by the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.

The burglary occurred on Lac Jac Avenue west of Reedley at about 9 a.m. Thursday.

Deputies responded to a home where the owner told them he had found the two women in his home. Several pieces of his property were stacked near the front door.

After the owner arrived home, both women ran from the house and got into a white GMC pickup parked nearby.

A few minutes later, deputies pulled the truck over near Newmark and Lincoln avenues. The women were arrested after stolen property was found in the truck.

They were both booked into the Fresno County Jail for investigation of burglary charges.

Detectives believe that both women may be involved in other burglaries. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact detective Javier Puente at (559) 896-2080, the Fresno County Sheriff's Office at (559) 488-3111 or CrimeStoppers at (559) 498-7867.

Fire

Fresno businesses burn

Fresno firefighters responding to a report of a commercial fire just north of Fresno City College found two businesses in flames shortly after 2:20 a.m. Thursday.

Fresno Fire spokesman Ken Shockley said firefighters believe both fires, in buildings on Maroa Avenue south of Shields Avenue, were intentionally set.

There were no injuries. Investigators said one of the businesses suffered about $30,000 in damage.

Also ...

Fresno tiger has surgery

A Fresno Chaffee Zoo tiger that had an esophagus problem has had a second surgical procedure that could be the first for a big cat.

The tiger, Kiri, was recently diagnosed with a stricture inside her esophagus that would not allow her to swallow her food properly. Surgery by zoo veterinarians and a team that included Saint Agnes gastroenterologist Stephen Davis implanted a stent in Kiri's esophagus to allow her to eat.

Stents have been used for dogs and cats, but it is not known if the procedure was ever performed before on a tiger.

Another procedure will be required in 60 days to remove the stent.

Top Selma cop to retire

Selma's longtime police chief says he is retiring July 31.

Thomas Whiteside, who has been the city's police chief for 22 years, said he decided to accept the city's early retirement package this year. He said he is concerned about future budget cuts to his department and also said he wants to spend more time with his family.

Whiteside is also chairman of the Fresno and Madera Counties Police Chiefs' Association.

Cuts close city offices

The city of Chowchilla announced Thursday that its city offices will be closed every other Friday, starting today, because of budget cuts.

The city said it will furlough all city workers on those days, with the exception of public safety employees. It said that garbage service will not be affected by the furloughs.